The name of the song, Babylon, originates from the ancient Mesopotamian city, mainly used in terms of religion and the Holy Bible.
Rastas, who refer to Selassie as the Lion of the tribe of Judea, take offense to Babylon and also make reference to oppressors as Babylon. Oppressors of the Rastafari religion include Police officers, who since the creation of Rastafari in the 1930s preyed on members because of its rapid growth and the fear of an uprising and a mass rebellion. Rastas can often be heard describing the government as Babylon system, police officers, Babylon bwoy, Dutty Babylon etc.
Joey saw it fit to include a Chronixx feature as Chronixx himself is a follower of Rastafari. Black people also face oppression from law officials in the U.S. as many black people have been racially targeted.
Babylon
Joey Bada$$ Lyrics
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Badmon representing
Yo yo
Heyaa
Heyaa
They say you never know what you got
'Till it's all up and away
Sometimes you wanna throw it away
But lately I've been talking to God
He told me heaven is a way better place
So I'm taking everything that I've got
And I'm running away, I'm running away
I just can't cope with the pain
You just Don't understand
Running away (away from here)
I'm running away
I just can't cope with the pain
You just won't understand
Running away (away from here)
Gone like the wind, I can't seem to win
I know the end is near, but I just don't know when
Turn on to CNN, look at what I see again
It's another black man died at the white hand of justice
To tell the truth, man, I'm fucking disgusted
I fear for the lives for my sisters, my brothers
Less fortunate than I, let's formulate a plan
I'm sick of holding grudges, I'm loading in all my slugs and
Aiming it at you judges, fuck the cops
Fuck the system and the government, you fuckers not
Protecting and serving
You more like damaging and hurting
And letting off shots 'till you motherfuckers certain
He ain't breathing, you made it clear
Fuck your breath, nigga, don't even deserve air
Don't even deserve shit, don't even deserve nothing
If black lives really mattered you niggas would do something
Instead we mean nothing, in fact we being hunted
They don't want us in abundance
They know there's strength in the numbers
That's why they gave you off
The time is coming, no discussion
If you ain't got a gun then you better start runnin'
Run to the rock of my salvation
Run to the stone that the builder rejected
I run to Ababa, Christ Haile I Selasse
Hear them call some other name
Them other guy nuh qualify
A long long time mi see some idiot a try
Tell me nmerica is the land of the free, that a lie
Cuh nobody no free bo ya
Better we leave Babylon and go a Ethiopia
And if you don't believe we can achieve that
Then you're just another idiot or another
Motherfucker, it's the J-O-Z-I-F B-A-D-M-O-N
Come on, bring them ends on in
I'm on the upside now, you can turn 'em M's upside down
We bout to win, there's an L for the other side of him
Most grace that you lost, I invite 'em in
To my soul, don't you feel the vibes when I'm channeling
The innermost of my spirit been engulfed with plenty gold
But most of them labels don't paint my soul
Who you think investing in penitentiaries though?
Same owners as them labels
Same owners of your cables
Spoon feeding you fables trying to keep your mind stable
Your eyes blind, and your skin's hazel
The truth is under your nasal
But even the air's all fucked up
How we supposed to see stars? Chemicals all above us
Plus bunch of other shit that's undiscovered
Detached from your roots, set sail, my brothers
That's word to motherland
Sold us on stolen land
Visions from brother men
You seen us all holding hands
Fifty years later still see my brothers choked to death
R.I.P. to Eric Garner, only right I show respect
Nowadays they hanging us by a different tree
Branches of the government, I can name all three
Judicial, legislative and executive
Lock your pops away your moms and next of kin
It's all consecutive
I'm just trying to break the cycle
I wonder if I'll do it all before they take my life, yo
Crucify my image, the Lord is my witness
Seen them Heaven's gates closed
I'mma break all them hinges for my niggas
Yes, I'mma break all the hinges for my niggas
Yes, I'mma break all the hinges for my niggas
Yes, I'mma break all
They say you never know what you got
'Till it's all up and away
And it's all lonely at the top
Sometimes you wanna throw it away
But lately I've been talking to God
He told me Heaven is a way better place
So I'm taking everything that I've got
And I'm running away, I'm running away
I just can't cope with the pain
You just don't understand
Running away (away from here)
I'm running away
I just can't cope with the pain
You just won't understand
Running away (away from here)
As fast as I can to mount Zion
I'm running away (I'm running away)
I'm running away (I'm running away)
I'm running away (I'm running away)
I'm running away (I'm running away)
I'm running away (I'm running away)
I'm running away (I'm running away)
Running away (I'm running away)
Away, running away
You better start running, running
Babylon boy them a coming, coming yeah
You better start running, running
Babylon is coming, Babylon get jealous of we
Of we, just because I walk this way, Babylon get jealous of we, of we hey
The song "Babylon" by Joey Bada$$ is a powerful expression of frustration with the state of society, particularly regarding systemic racism, police brutality, and injustice. The first verse begins with meditations on the fleeting nature of success and fame, acknowledging that it often feels hollow and empty, and that the pressure of the limelight can be overwhelming. But instead of giving in, the singer chooses to turn to spirituality for comfort, recognizing that there is a higher purpose beyond material possessions. In contrast, the second verse is a scathing critique of the white-centered power structures that continue to oppress Black people and other marginalized groups. The lyrics are filled with anger, disgust, and sorrow at the recurring devastation inflicted upon Black communities by police violence and broader systemic issues, as well as frustration with those who claim to stand for justice, yet do nothing to effect real change. In the chorus, the singer insists that they are "running away" from all of this - and yet it's clear that there is nowhere to run to. The final lines of the track emphasize that it's not just individual people, but entire societies and systems that are to blame for the current state of things.
In terms of the production, the track has a haunting, disorienting quality, with layered percussion and a sinister bassline that gives a sense of urgency and tension. Joey's flow is at once smooth and abrasive, alternating between introspective musings and aggressive calls to action. The song is a powerful commentary on the struggles facing Black Americans, and a reminder of the need to keep fighting for justice and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
They say you never know what you got
People often don't realize the worth of things they have
'Till it's all up and away
Until they lose it
And it's all lonely at the top
Success can lead to isolation
Sometimes you wanna throw it away
At times, one may feel overwhelmed with success
But lately I've been talking to God
The artist has been seeking guidance from a higher power
He told me heaven is a way better place
The artist's faith is leading him towards a different path
So I'm taking everything that I've got
The artist is leaving his current life behind
And I'm running away, I'm running away
He is escaping his current reality
I just can't cope with the pain
The artist is unable to deal with the difficulties of his life
You just Don't understand
Others are unable to comprehend what he is going through
Gone like the wind, I can't seem to win
The artist's hopelessness is causing him to lose faith and motivation
I know the end is near, but I just don't know when
The artist is aware of his eventual fate but is uncertain of the timeline
It's another black man died at the white hand of justice
The artist is speaking on the recurring issue of police brutality against Black people
To tell the truth, man, I'm fucking disgusted
The artist is expressing his frustration and anger with the situation
I fear for the lives for my sisters, my brothers
The artist is worried about the safety and well-being of other Black people
Less fortunate than I, let's formulate a plan
He is suggesting that they need to come up with a strategy to tackle the issue
I'm sick of holding grudges, I'm loading in all my slugs and
The artist is done with keeping feelings to himself and is prepared to take action
Aiming it at you judges, fuck the cops
The artist is directing his anger towards law enforcement officials
Fuck the system and the government, you fuckers not
The artist is expressing his disdain towards those in power
Protecting and serving
Referring to the police motto, the artist is stating that they are not living up to it
You more like damaging and hurting
The artist is accusing the police of doing more harm than good
And letting off shots 'till you motherfuckers certain
The artist is calling out police brutality resulting in death
He ain't breathing, you made it clear
The artist is referencing the final moments of a victim's life at the hands of the police
Fuck your breath, nigga, don't even deserve air
The artist is expressing disrespect and anger towards the police
Don't even deserve shit, don't even deserve nothing
The artist is declaring that the police deserve nothing but punishment
If black lives really mattered you niggas would do something
The artist is pointing out the hypocrisy of those in power not taking action to protect Black lives
Instead we mean nothing, in fact we being hunted
Black people are being treated as prey
They don't want us in abundance
Systemic racism aims to keep the Black population in control
They know there's strength in the numbers
The artist believes that Black people need to come together to fight the oppressor
That's why they gave you off
Referring to the prison-industrial complex, the artist believes Black people are being incarcerated to keep them under control
The time is coming, no discussion
The artist is hopeful for a revolution
If you ain't got a gun then you better start runnin'
The artist is suggesting that being armed is necessary for self-defense against the oppressor
Run to the rock of my salvation
The artist is referring to a religious trust in a higher power
Run to the stone that the builder rejected
The artist is referencing a biblical verse about overcoming rejection
Sell us on stolen land
The artist is speaking on the original colonization of America
Fifty years later still see my brothers choked to death
The artist is stating how nothing has changed since the Civil Rights era
It's all consecutive
The cycle of injustice continues
I'm just trying to break the cycle
The artist is expressing his desire for change
I wonder if I'll do it all before they take my life, yo
The artist is acknowledging the potential danger of speaking out against the oppressor
Crucify my image, the Lord is my witness
The artist is recognizing the sacrifice he may have to make for his beliefs
Seen them Heaven's gates closed
The artist is expressing his doubts about the existence of a better place after death
I'mma break all them hinges for my niggas
The artist wants to help his community overcome obstacles and oppression
Babylon get jealous of we
Babylon represents the oppressive forces against the Black community
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: ADAM PALLIN, JO-VAUGHN VIRGINIE, JAMAR MCMAUGHTON, G STEVENSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind